BARTLETT, ILLINOIS, July 1, 2007: Celebrating 100 years of selfless service and spiritual growth, BAPS held its’ Centenary Celebration at the Grand Sears Center Arena at Hoffman Estates on June 17. Speeches, skits, and colorful dances were performed commemorating the past, present, and future of BAPS, a socio-spiritual organization dedicated to serving society. Held in the divine presence of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the present spiritual leader of BAPS, over 10,000 devotees and well-wishers present were witness to an unforgettable event. “The 100 year celebration of BAPS is historic. It marks a hundred years of service to humanity, service to needy people all over the world,” said Ashok Attri, the presiding Consul General of India.
From a key to the city of Hoffman Estates to a decree declaring a portion of Route 59 in the name of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, politicians and professionals alike praised and honored BAPS and Pramukh Swami Maharaj for their continued efforts to better humanity. Over fifty high-school youths dedicated their summer break to making this Centenary Celebration a success. From planning to execution, this group of dedicated youths poured their hearts and used their talents to please God and Guru. When one youth was asked what motivated him to perform such a sacrifice, sixteen-year-old Jay Patel stated, “I can not express in words how much Pramukh Swami Maharaj has given to me. This was just one way for me to show him my appreciation, my devotion. If it were not for him, I would be lost today!”
The climax of the celebration occurred when hundreds of individuals from the local Chicago-land community, including physicians, lawyers, IT professionals, and engineers to name just a few, stood and took an oath to give their time and money to serve society and support the cause of BAPS. What better way to celebrate a century of giving. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois, continues the spirit of service by conducting various local activities and public services such as walkathons that partner with local institutions like Glen Oaks Hospital as well as health fairs benefiting the uninsured. Other activities include cultural and musical classes, as well as college preparation courses. Through its spiritual and social activities the Bartlett BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir continues to preserve culture and nurture the youth to become successful leaders of tomorrow.